In different countries, there are different ways of working. This section provides information on how the work culture is organized in Finland.
On Time
In Finland, it is important to arrive at work on time. Work starts and ends exactly when it has been agreed upon.
Equality
In Finland, both men and women do all kinds of work. A manager can be either a man or a woman. All employees must respect each other.
Initiative
In Finland, employees are expected to be proactive. Proactivity means, for example, this: when you finish one task, don’t wait—start a new task on your own. If you don’t know what to do, ask.
A manager may say: “Clean this room.” You need to decide for yourself how to do the task. The manager will not always give detailed instructions. They trust that you can decide on your own how to carry out the task.
When you have finished the task, inform your manager.
Trust
In Finland, there is trust that employees will do what they have agreed to do. If you promise to do something, do it. Work is not always supervised. In Finland, work is completed within the agreed time frame.
Communication
In Finland, people usually communicate directly and briefly at the workplace. If you don’t understand the instructions, you can say so directly. If you are given too little time to complete a task, tell your manager about it directly. If you need help with the task, ask your manager or other employees for assistance.
Useful Links
Diversity Allowed – Information about Working Life for Immigrants
A simple language website that provides information about Finnish work culture. The site also contains other information about working life in Finland.